The Ridge at Manitou
Thomas McBroom routed The Ridge at Manitou through the granite and pine of the Canadian Shield above Lake Manitouwabing, and it opened in 2005 to immediate acclaim, named Best New Canadian Course the following year. A par 72 of 6,815 yards in the Parry Sound country near Muskoka, it has stayed in Canada's top 100 ever since.
Photo: Manitou Ridge via Google.
The verdict
Thomas McBroom, one of Canada's most respected architects, routed The Ridge at Manitou through the rock and forest of the Canadian Shield above Lake Manitouwabing, and it opened in 2005 to instant recognition, taking Best New Canadian Course honours the following year. It sits in the Parry Sound country on the edge of Muskoka, the kind of cottage and lake landscape that defines an Ontario summer.
A par 72 of 6,815 yards, it is a course of dramatic elevation, granite outcrops and tree lined corridors, the holes carved into the natural contours rather than imposed on them. It has held its place in Canada's top 100 since opening, and for golfers touring Ontario it is one of the most scenic and memorable rounds north of Toronto.
The Ridge at Manitou at a glance
- Opened
- 2005
- Designer
- Thomas McBroom
- Type
- Canadian Shield woodland
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- 6,815 yds
- Green fee
- Resort
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from The Ridge at Manitou and leading course databases. The course was designed by Thomas McBroom and opened in 2005, a par 72 of 6,815 yards, and was named Best New Canadian Course in 2006. Indicative resort green fees vary by season and day, so always confirm current rates directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The Ridge plays through classic Canadian Shield terrain, the fairways running between stands of pine and over exposed granite, with the elevation changes giving the round its drama. McBroom used the natural land rather than fighting it, so the holes feel discovered rather than built, and position off the tee matters more than brute length.
The stretch closest to Lake Manitouwabing is the most photographed, the water and rock framing tee shots and approaches that stay long in the memory. The greens are bold and well contoured, and the run offs into the surrounding forest punish the careless approach, so course management is the key to a good score.
The closing holes climb and fall back toward the clubhouse with the lake never far from view, a fitting finish to a round that showcases the best of the Ontario northland. It is a course to savour as much for its setting as its challenge.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Open to resort and public play; book a tee time in advance during the short Ontario season |
| Green fee | Resort visitor rates apply and vary by season and day (indicative, 2026); always confirm current rates before booking |
| Booking | Reserve through the resort or an Ontario golf specialist; the playing season is roughly May to October |
| On the day | Carts are common given the elevation and the distance between some holes; smart golf attire expected |
| Getting there | McKellar on Lake Manitouwabing, in the Parry Sound region, a little over two hours north of Toronto |
| Best months | June to September for the warm, reliable summer golfing season |
Access and fee details verified June 2026; rates and tee sheet policy change, so always confirm directly with the resort or your trip planner before booking.
Where to stay nearby
The resort country around Parry Sound and Muskoka is full of lodges, cottages and lakeside resorts, which makes a relaxed base for a round at The Ridge and the wider region's golf. Staying on a lake nearby turns the trip into a classic Ontario summer escape.
For those travelling from further afield, Toronto is a little over two hours south and makes the natural gateway, with the Muskoka and Parry Sound courses spread out to the north. It is an ideal region to combine scenic golf with the lakes and forests of cottage country.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near The Ridge at Manitou.
Build an Ontario golf trip
We book The Ridge at Manitou around a stay in cottage country, pair it with the best of Muskoka and Parry Sound and sort the lodging and transfers. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
The Ridge at Manitou questions
Who designed The Ridge at Manitou and when did it open?
The Ridge at Manitou was designed by the Canadian architect Thomas McBroom and opened in 2005 at McKellar, Ontario, on Lake Manitouwabing, winning Best New Canadian Course in 2006.
What is the par and length of The Ridge at Manitou?
The Ridge at Manitou is a par 72 of 6,815 yards from the back tees, routed through the granite and forest of the Canadian Shield with significant elevation changes.
Can visitors play The Ridge at Manitou?
Yes. The course is open to resort and public play during the Ontario season, roughly May to October, and visitors should book a tee time in advance.
How far is The Ridge at Manitou from Toronto?
The Ridge at Manitou is in the Parry Sound region on Lake Manitouwabing, a little over two hours north of Toronto, in the heart of Ontario's cottage country.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; access verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.